Neocate Lawsuit | Hypophosphatemia and Rickets
A new study has linked Neocate, a baby formula, to rickets, bone fractures, and abnormally low phosphate levels. If your child has been diagnosed with any of these conditions while taking one of the company’s amino acid formulas, you may qualify to file a Neocate lawsuit.
What Is Neocate?
Neocate is a line of elemental or amino acid formulas designed for infants and toddlers who cannot tolerate soy and cow’s milk formulas due to issues like soy or milk allergy, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and other GI disorders. Neocate has been sold in the United States as Neocate Splash, EO28 Splash, Neocate Junior Probiotic, Neocate Junior, Neocate Nutra, Neocate Infant DHA/ARA, and Neocate Syneo Infant.
Health Problems Associated with Neocate
A study published in Bone magazine in 2017 highlighted the cases of 51 children who were diagnosed with hypophosphatemia, or low phosphate levels. In 94% of the cases, skeletal radiographs found rickets, under-mineralization, or fractures. Many of the children consumed only Neocate formula for some period of time before displaying symptoms. Once they were switched to a different product or received phosphate supplements, their condition improved.
The study concluded that children on an elemental formula diet receive careful monitoring. Nutricia, the company behind Neocate, has also cited this study and cautioned that children receive review and follow-up care to ensure proper nutrition.
What Is Hypophosphatemia?
This condition leads to dangerously low levels of phosphate, which is necessary for bone growth and cellular function. Children with low phosphate in the blood can develop weight problems, muscle weakness, breathing problems, and loss of appetite. This condition can also lead to fragility, pain, and improper development.
What Is Rickets?
Rickets is a condition that causes weakening and softening of the bones in children. This condition can cause pain in the legs, pelvis, and spine; delayed growth; muscle weakness; and skeletal deformities. Children with rickets may develop bowed legs, breastbone projection, or thickened ankles or wrists.
The most common cause of rickets is vitamin D deficiency, but low phosphate levels can also cause the condition. Children may recover from rickets after months of treatment, but surgery may be necessary to correct skeletal deformities.
Filing a Neocate Lawsuit
If you believe your child was injured by taking Neocate formula, a personal injury attorney can help you build a claim. Your family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages that are related to your child’s injuries.
At Alonso Krangle LLP, we have spent our careers fighting for injured victims. We will make it our goal to help you recover compensation to give your child the care they deserve while recovering from rickets or low phosphate.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.